Holy Bible: New Classic Reference Bible, English Standard Version Hardcover – January 1, 2011

I was skeptical when my daughter's school required the ESV for classroom use. I was familiar with the KJV, NKJV, and NIV and thought this must be some watered down version that was gender neutral and liberal. I was pleasantly surprised by just how good a translation this is. It makes the scriptures readable. I am amazed by the number of people who insist on outdated versions simply because tradition demands it; the effect is to put the understanding of the Bible out of reach for the common man. Their insistence on using 500 year old language is akin to having a service in Latin. The hearers aren't edified, but the preachers are deified as they are the only ones to "get" it. This leads to abuse as they can "make" scripture say what they want since no one else "understands" it. The ESV breaks down the wall of biblical obscurity like no other translation I have read all the while holding fast to the original text. Great book to own AND read.

Our ladies Bible study, Habits of the Heart at Zionsville Fellowship, chose the ESV edition of the Bible to be used for our study about four years ago. I never converted to the new edition, sticking to my King James version. However, there was a lady by the name of Wanita, a new Christian, and I thought the ESV would be easier for her to understand. Thus, I ordered the ESV and have found it very fundamental. I am sure when our Bible study resumes in January it will help me many times. I was impressed with the sturdiness of the Bible and the eye appeal it has. I bought the most inexpensive ESV available at the time.Thank you for your good products and reliability. I know when I order something from you it will be forthcoming in good condition.

Really like the ESV. This particular Bible: There is no room to write even small notes - I like to write in the margins verses that I want to find easily at a future time. No room for that. I also am NOT fond of the way the references are inserted in the middle of the page. I like them in the middle of the page - I do not like the separation of blank spaces in the middle of the column. Also, there are MANY references not added and obviously there is plenty of room for that purpose.

This is a great find. It is a durable, easy to read edition. It has an unusually extensive concordance for a Bible this size. Illustrations in the back include maps AND illustrations including the Tabernacle, Jerusalem, Solomon's Temple, Herod's Temple (time of Jesus) and Golgotha and the Temple Mount. The center cross references throughout the book are easy to read and use. Good introduction to each book of the Bible. This is a great Bible to use anywhere!

Translation is great because it is not too digested - in which case the true meaning of the word is compromised by men in attempt to make the word easier to understand - and it is not too difficult to comprehend(like the poetic books of shakespear) It just lurks in-between the two which is a ++++ for Christians so we understand the message of our Lord like He wants us to.Hallelujah!

I am a history major so I wanted to read the bible cover to cover from a historical perspective. I grew up in a christian family plus I even went to a christian school until middle school so I was already familiar with most of the bible and its stories. Definitely had a falling out with religion during my teen years considering myself an atheist but now I seem to be leaning toward agnostic. I dont think reading this will change my mind but I think it should still be required reading for any history buff just as the The Odyssey and Iliad are as a way to understanding our past and mythology.

At first i was i was a loving it as soon as i received it in the mail i got it three days before it was supposed to arrived. it is so helpful at church,home, and school. if you want large print it is not the bible for you. but is the BEST bible i have ever owned.

I am very pleased this purchase. I need to get use to the references in the center of the column but that is minor. The aids are very helpful. The illustrations and maps are a great way to clarify what you are reading. I would recommend this Bible translation for it's clarity and accuracy.